Welcome to our online orientation. This information is also available via CareCall at (912) 819-3360 or (800) 622-6877, and on the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in your room.

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Introduction
A nurse will demonstrate the equipment in your room, including the:

• television controls
• bed controls
• call button.

A nurse will explain:

• unit routines (daytime and nighttime)
• frequency of vital sign checks
• bed and baths.

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Telephone

Local Calls:

• Dial 9 + the number desired

Long-Distance Calls:

• The most economical long-distance call is made using a pre-paid long-distance calling card, available in the gift shop.
  
  
• Use your personal long-distance calling card.
  
  
• Dial 0 for operator assistance. The long-distance carrier will bill operator-assisted calls to your home phone. When placing the long-distance call, you can ask the long-distance operator the cost of the call before making it.

You also can use your cell phone; reception is best when you stand near the window.

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Herbal Medications
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal medications, and many herbal medication manufacturers are not required to comply with FDA standards or prove their products to be safe and effective. Many alternative therapies have significant drug interactions, so please notify your healthcare provider of all over-the-counter or herbal medications you are taking, if any, and discontinue use of them prior to admission and during your stay.

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Call Button
To ensure your needs are met, use the call button if you need anything at any time. Please let us know if your request is urgent or casual. If you feel there is a delay, please call again.

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Valuables
Please give all valuable items to a family member to take home. If no family is present, the hospital safe is available. The hospital is not responsible for personal belongings, including jewelry, cell phones and/or electronic equipment.

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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted.

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Lab Draws
In order for results to be readily available for your doctor, lab blood draws are conducted between 4 and 5 a.m.

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Blood Pressure Checks
The frequency of blood pressure and temperature checks depends on the reason for your hospitalization and your doctor's orders.

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Physical Rounds
The time your doctor visits varies according to his or her schedule.

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Meal Schedule and Diet
The meal schedule is available from your nurse. Your doctor may prescribe a diet for you; if that is the case, family and friends should not bring you food. If you have special food requests, please let us know.

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Patient Care Staff
The staff involved in your care includes:

• nurses
• patient care technicians (PCTs)
• unit clerks.

You may see other caregivers as well, depending on your needs.

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Housekeeping
Your room is cleaned daily. You can control the room temperature using the thermostat. Please report any maintenance or housekeeping problems to us.

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Daily Reports
Please select a family member to receive a daily report about your condition. To maintain privacy and confidentiality, hospital staff will not share information regarding your status to anyone other than this contact person.

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HIPAA
These regulations ensure privacy protection for patients. To find out more about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa or call (866) 627-7748.

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Discharge
Your doctor will write a discharge order and a nurse will prepare you for discharge. Patient educators, social workers and others may need to give you instructions for your care at home. Coordinating your discharge may take some time; however, every effort is made to discharge you as promptly as possible. Please make arrangements for transportation home. Patients are usually ready to go home approximately two hours after the doctor gives the discharge order. Plan on a 10 a.m. discharge.